Insertable inflatable bladder and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A inflatable insertable bladder and method of use thereof. The bladder may be designed in any shape or size made up of an integrated bladder system that be made of any material such as mylar, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a bladder and have enough elasticity to provide protection to the item being shipped or stored and of suitable design able to protect the item being shipped with enough strength to hold and protect the item being shipped, stored or otherwise suspended in a box or container that is being shipped, stored or otherwise used in. The inflatable insertable bladder is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a bladder with an integrated valve system that is used to suspend an article to be to be packaged. This completely protects the article and removes the need for peanuts, foam, bubble wrap, paper or other fillers in boxes used for shipping goods once the box is closed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, generally, to methods of packaging and shipping items. More particularly, it relates to a method of protecting an item to be shipped.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of different types of packaging for shipping articles is well known. Shipped articles can come in all sizes and shapes. These articles can be fragile or hardy (i.e., the article is considered non-fragile). There are several types and forms of packaging, including peanuts, paper, bubble plastic, foam, inflatable boxes, strings, etc. However, all of the packaging materials mentioned can cause waste disposal and recycling issues except the inflatable box technology which would have minimal affect on the waste disposal and recycling.

Different attempts at providing an effective inflatable packaging material and/or system have been made, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,905,835 and 4,969,312 to Pivert, which are limited to a rectangular box with inflatable structures that are inserted into the box, thereby requiring multiple steps for use, from insertion of the inflatable structures to closure of the box. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,533 to Farison provides an inflatable cushion through a single inflation valve, which must be inserted into the box with the article. U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,677 to Pozzo is a shipping container and inflatable packaging cushion that must be partially filled, then the article is inserted, and following steps are required. U.S. Pat. No. 4,091,852 to Jordan is a method of use of wall fasteners which could be waterproof, however providing to protection to the contents of a box even if it could be made into a box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,035 to Kim is a brief case that is not designed for nor could be used for any shipping based on its intent of use essentially a brief case the cost alone would be prohibitive much less no way to use varying sized and shaped boxes for shipping as the present art is capable. This device and all of the prior mentioned art teach away from the novel, new and present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,231 to Batsford is not shippable, and is completely separate from the box and has insurmountable limitations to automation. U.S. Pat. No. 3,889,743 to Presnick is a beer or food cooler that uses a thermoplastic for keeping objects cool or hot and has not external valve. The external valve (e.g. a valve or opening on the outside of a box) is a limitation of all of the prior art mentioned except the inflatable box.

While the prior art provides very limited if any protection to the articles within a box, the conventional art suffers from a number of drawbacks from cost to inherent design issues.

The inflation, insertion, and closure of the prior art devices all require multiple steps and are not simple, efficient methods of shipping articles or products using an inflatable cushion which is integrated into a box for shipping that can be or varying size and shape. The prior art requires tedious methods for inflation. For instance, the prior art requires that certain cushions be inflated before others in a specific sequence, and that the cushions be inflated before insertion into the box, and complex sequences of events for closure of box flaps and/or self-locking flaps. They require optimal inflation to work properly and finally require multiple cushions to provide adequate protection to the article shipped.

The use of the inflatable box system U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,928 is a very effective and novel system and this system does not replace the novelty of that system except with unexpected results that teaches away from all of the prior art in many aspects not withstanding environmental impact and the ability of the present art to provide additional coverage and protection for an article being shipped. The foregoing issues are just some, not all, of the limitations seen in the conventional art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to advance the art of packaging past the drawbacks of the prior art with reference to complexity, usage, cost and environmental impact, thus providing packaging that is simple to use, requires minimal instruction, has the minimum number of parts, and is cost-effective. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that allows for an easy automation and a integrated system that has a system that allows for additional protection and coverage of the article being shipped, stored or otherwise.

Certain embodiments of the present invention include a method relating to an automated or manual packaging system using an inflatable box (or tube) of any shape and size. The box is uniquely designed to allow for a simple one-step process using a box or any shipping container with a inflatable bladder(s) that is not attached to internal opposite walls or corners or sides of the box or attached to the external opposite internal walls or corners or sides of the container (box, tube, etc.), or is not attached the inside the wall or container, inside-outside or any part of side of the external walls or corners or sides of the container that is being used to ship, store or otherwise and article of interest. To be more specific this art is an improvement over the novel art of U.S. Pat. No. 8,281,928 by saving the bladder size, providing more coverage, shape, usage and to give improved protection for the article or time being packaged and allowing the article to be fully protected into any size or shape shipping container without having to attach the bladder to the inside of the container first. In addition, the new art as presented uses multiple internal valves as part of the bladder inflation system that allows for the deflation of part or all but one of the inserted integrated bladders of the inserted integrated bladder system, that is to say that if the bottom bladder is punctured during shipment, packaging or storage, etc., then the side, top, corner, etc., bladder(d) will stay inflated by way of the valve(s) that are internal to each section of the bladder(s) system and not integrated into the side of the container of the box or shipping container. The said valve(s) will allow the gas (air, helium, etc.) into the bladder but not back out through the same valve, that is to say the gas that is introduced to each bladder through a one way valve that only lets the gas enter the bladder and as the bladder fills up with gas the valve is permanently closed so that is one of the bladder(s) in the system loses pressure, leaks or is punctured the other bladder(s) in the inserted integrated system will stay inflated.

The method of a bladder(s) to the inside, internal, internal to the wall of the box and or shipping container is not necessary with this unique and novel idea the present invention's bladder system will placed in the box without attachment to the box or shipping container or attached by any means to the shipping container such that the inflatable inserted bladder system is independent of the box and or shipping container and is inflated independent of the box and or shipping container the valve can be of any suitable type that will allow inflation of the inserted inflatable bladder system and if one so desires there could also be a release point (valve, opening, etc.) attached or integrated into the inserted inflatable bladder system that allows the gas that was initially used to inflate the system out of the inflatable inserted bladder system.

Correspondingly, another object of the present art is to provide a packaging method that will allow the user to insert the article to be shipped and inflatable inserted bladder system into a open box and or shipping container or any shape or size prior to suspending the object by the inflatable inserted bladder system or one could suspend the articled to be shipped (e.g. inflate the bladder(s) to be inserted) prior to placing the said inserted inflatable bladder systems and object to be shipped into the said container—this advantage is unexpected and teaches away from the prior art. This has several marked advantages over the prior art, such as reduced cost in manufacturing, environmental (the inserted bladder could be removed and the box and/or bladder can be recycled, and ease of packaging of a box that requires not holes or integration of a bladder system markedly affecting cost such that these advantage are unexpected and teach away from the prior art with the use of inserted sealed bladder(s) system that will not deflate if one is punctured during packaging or before and or after shipment.

In addition, the present invention provides a unique—unexpected and novel way to ship and fully protect the article being shipped with no peanuts, foam, paper or other material required to protect the item being shipped. This system provides a unique integrated valve(s) system with each section of the inserted inflatable bladder having its own valve other than just having the one valve at the point of entry which is unique and novel for this invention provides unexpected results advantages over prior art by having the ability to still protect the device inside incase of one or more of the bladders in the system losing inflation.

It has been found that the foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished in accordance with this invention by using a box, cube, ball, tube, or any other shipping container, placing an object within the inflatable bladder system that is to be inserted (placed) inside the afore mentioned container and then inflated allowing suspension of the article being shipped, stored or otherwise used. There is no prerequisite requirement for a bladder to be integrated or attached to the shipping container or box requiring a point of inflation inside of said container(s). The bladder(s) inserted within the shipping container can each have an independent valve that will only allow air to pass in one direction that once the bladder(s) is inflated the valve is sealed and no gas will pass back through the way it came into the bladder(s). The process is simple, placement of an object into or onto the inserted inflatable bladder and then into the box (or shipping container) that is being shipped is about as easy as it gets and simple. Once the article or item to be shipped is placed on or into the inserted inflatable bladder system then they are placed inside of a box and or shipping container and inflated. Then the box is closed and readied for shipment. This allows for a fully automated inflatable packaging system with a backup up valves inside the bladder(s) to protect the article inside if one bladder(s) should deflate, be punctured or damaged in anyway, etc.

The present invention provides a method of packaging an article using an insertable inflatable bladder packaging system as defined above, said method characterized by the following steps:

-   -   a) Closing the bottom flaps of the box;     -   b) Placing the article and the inflatable bladder system to be         shipped into the box and inflating the said bladder;     -   c) And closing the top flaps of the box and sealing the box.

Other aspects and advantages of the present invention appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, such as the determination of which end of the box, cube, tube, or other container is used for placing the item and inflatable bladder to be shipped into the bottom or top, etc.

Certain aspects of the present art can be found in the prior art, such as the use of a box or carton or tube or cube as a container for shipping an article such as a smart phone but there is no prior art that even remotely teaches the present invention and the present invention is a marked advancement in the field of shipping and logistics and will have an enormous positive impact on the environment and cost of shipping. This device is not only very automatable for the large box shippers but very easy to use for single home user that just want to ship a fragile device across the country without having to develop a integrated inflatable box system which is now not required. The results of this technology by the use of the inserted inflatable bladder that will improve protection of the article being shipped if a bladder deflates or otherwise and the material and gas from use of multiple or one large bladder that covers the bottom and side(s) to having the bladder to inflate cover the bottom of the article being shipped and the top or the bottom and the top that is split into one or more bladders that would encompass the article being shipped (e.g. having the inserted bladder encompass the article enough to protect the article being shipped on all sides from possible damaged during shipment and or storage thus the article being shipped is placed either on top of the bladder to be inserted into and or inside the insertable inflatable bladder system, then the combination of the two are placed into the box or shipping container or the inserted inflatable bladder system is placed into the box, the article to be shipped is then placed on or into the inserted bladder system and then the said bladder system is then inflated). All of the prior art in this field teaches away from this technology of the use of internal bladder that is inserted into a box and or the shipping container then it is inflated or insertable inflatable bladder and article to be shipped can be inflated prior to placement in the box or shipping container are all outside all of the prior art which requires and focuses on placing something in the shipping container such as peanuts, bubble wrap, paper, air, or some other gas, bladder, etc., into the device being shipped but the novel art requires placing nothing in the box at all in order to ship the article except the article to be shipped and the insertable inflatable bladder system resulting in significantly less weight than boxes using packaging such as a bladder systems, peanuts, paper, etc., thereby reducing weight which has its own impact on the environment such as saving fuel, weight, tire and road wear as a result of light weight and the use of a insertable bladder system that can be made of any suitable material that can be inflatable and preferably biodegradable. The prior art teaches away from this technology's advancement in the art in that it requires and focuses on putting some form of packaging into the container to protect the article being shipped. The present art's use of the independent insertable bladders that inflate from one point on the bladder system that is not integrated into the box or shipping container and uses an integrated valve system within the inserted bladder that prevents deflation is a marked advancement in the state of the art in the packaging industry. It is well known in the shipping industry and or home ordering business that every time anyone orders anything from on-line provider that the article being shipped is going to be on the bottom of the box (e.g. that is to say under the peanuts or other packaging being used). This is a basic law of nature; essentially gravity will cause the heavier item to migrate to the bottom of the container 100% of the time. So when this article is ordered it will take the brunt of the impacts every time it is dropped or handled during shipment. This novel invention will prevent this from happening and is a marked and patentable advancement in the art of shipping. Specifically, the current invention provides the user with the unexpected benefits of simplicity, efficiency, cost (no more packaging required—less weight and cost) and safety by placing an article(s) for shipment onto or into the insertable bladder then in a shipping container and or box, inflation of the bladder can occur before or after the placement of the insertable bladder into the shipping box or container, closing the shipping container or box, and shipping it. The current offers added protection in that the bladder inside has an internal valve system which can use any valve that is suitable such as a self sealing valve which seals as a result of increased pressure inside the balloon that provides added protection in case one of the bladder(s) or section(s) of the bladders are punctured prior to, or during shipping or storage. The prior art teaches away from the present invention in that it teaches) the use of packaging material in the form of bladders, peanuts, bubble wrap, paper, foam, etc., before closure of the box, etc. Thus, the current invention advances the state of the art through its novel, useful, and nonobvious apparatus and methodology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become obvious from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the insertable inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, shown with an article to be shipped inside of the said bladder;

FIG. 2 is a Top view of FIG. 1 with article to be packaged inside the bladder inside of a box;

FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 1 after placing insertable inflatable bladder in a box and prior to inflation of the bladder illustrating the article being packaged is placed in communication with the bottom of said bladder inside of the box and or shipping container;

FIG. 4 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 1 of the insertable Inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, after inflation while inside the box with an article inside the bladder;

FIG. 5 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the insertable inflatable bladder made in accordance with this invention, shown with an article to be shipped on top or in communion with the said bladder prior to inflation;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away side view of FIG. 5 after inflation of the bladder prior to placing in the box or shipping container;

FIG. 7 is a cut-away side view of the bladder and with an article being shipped placed inside of said bladder;

FIG. 8 is a cut-away view of FIG. 7 after inflation of the said bladder with the item to be shipped prior to placing the inflated bladder with an article inside into a box, shipping or storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. It is understood from the embodiments that a person skilled in the art may make variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Such variations and modifications may include changing the size or shape of the insertable inflatable bladder or box, tube, cube, or other container used for shipping, the material that the box or shipping container can be made up of can be any material like cardboard, paper product, plastic, etc, that can be used for shipping, the insertable inflatable bladder that inflates which can then be is inserted containers or box, etc., prior to or after inflation. There no need to attach the said insertable inflatable bladder(s) to the inside walls of the box or be attached by just the valve or port that allows inflation of the bladder from the outside of the box which because this invention is no required and or needed. That is to say no attachment to the interior of the wall of the box (or shipping container), valve, etc., is required by this device. The inflatable insertable bladder can be made of and suitable material that can be inflated and or material that can be used which will inflate such as nylon, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, cardboard, paper, metal, aluminum, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a bladder that can be used for shipping, storage, or otherwise that will suitably suspend the object being shipped, stored or otherwise with enough strength to hold the item while being shipped, stored or otherwise. The novelty of this invention is that the bladder does not need to be attached at angles relative to the article being shipped, stored or otherwise and walls or opposite sides or some of the corners and/or walls/or sections of the box or container being used for shipping or the bottom or top of box or to the sides of a tube and/or bottom of a tube or tube like shipping container and the box—basically does not need to be attached in any way to any inside section of the shipping container at any angle to the article as long as the article is being suspended so as not to touch the walls of the container such that the bladder does not need to be integrated into the box (e.g. container) while still having all have internal ports and or valves that will prevent the bladder(s) from deflating and or losing pressure and or gas which can be of any type of gas that is suitable for inflation such as air, nitrogen, oxygen mixes, etc, that would be safe and suitable for shipping, storage or otherwise.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1 as shown with the insertable inflatable bladder prior to inflation and placement into a shipping container as shown. The cut-away view of FIG. 1 shows the bladder 1 in a deflated position with item 7 to be shipped inside the bladder 1 for illustration purposes. Also illustrated are the self sealing valves 2, 3 and 6 that will close as the pressure in the bladder 1 builds up or as in illustration valve 6 for illustration purposes will seal at the site of the valve 6 not along the length of the valve 2 as shown by the valve examples of 2. Any valve will do the job as long as it allows entry of the gas for inflation and sealing after inflation, however, the foregoing are the preferred embodiments. Only one valve 2, 3 or 6 for example will be necessary such as valves 2, 3 or 6 but the other valves and or multiple valves 2 can be inside the bladder 1 as extra security that if one part of the bladder 1, 4 or 5 is punctured or deflates the other sections will remain inflated offering added insurance that the item 7 being shipped will not be damaged.

As shown in FIG. 2 a top view of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 prior to inflation illustrating the item 7 to be shipped in the center area of the insertable bladder 1 while the bladder 1 is resting inside of a box 10 to be used for shipping or storage, etc. The box 10 shows that it is the flaps 8 and 9 are open allowing insertion of the bladder 1 into the box containing the item to be shipped 7 prior to inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown extending out of the top of the box 10 prior to inflation and sealing of the box 10 with flaps closed. The valve alternate or other valve if desired but not required is shown as well as the side walls 4 and 5 of the insertable bladder.

Now referring to drawings FIGS. 3 and 4 which both illustrates the a cross section view of the item to be shipped 7 in the box 10 position in the middle of the shipping container on top of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 prior to inflation. Notice the valve 3 rising above box flap 8 prior to inflation and closing of the box flaps 8 and 9 after inflation or prior to inflation. One could have the valve 3 extend outside the box 10 after closing of the box and flaps and then sealing the box 10 and then inflating the bladder 1 through the valve 3. This valve 3 as suggested could be used to deflate the bladder 1 after shipping and or storage for repeat usage. A Valve such as 3 or any other valve type that is suitable could be used to deflate the bladder 1 after usage. In fact a valve such as 3 is not necessary but a sealing flap 11 as shown in FIG. 4 such that after usage of the bladder 1 the flap 11 could be opened to let the gas escape then resealed so prevent gas leakage next time the insertable inflatable bladder 1 is used for shipping and or storage, etc. This self sealable valve 3 can be inflated by mouth, air pump, gas generator, etc., any means that is suitable that will cause a suitable gas such air, nitrogen, etc., to be forced into the valve 3 resulting in the bladder 1 to be inflated. The valve 3 as shown in FIG. 4 is self sealable and pressed against the upper side of the bladder 1. The bladder section shown for illustration purposes only the different sections 1, 4 and 5 are shown prior to inflation and the internal self sealing valve(s) 2 which are not required for the insertable inflatable bladder 1 to work but enhance the art by providing added protection for the item 7 to be shipped and or stored. It is noted that only 1 valve(s) 3 or internal self sealing valve 2 is necessary for to provide the added insurance against the deflation of the one section of the bladder 1. The Device as show by FIGS. 1, 2 3, and 4 could be made using one insertable inflatable bladder 1 using one self sealing valve 3 for purposes of this invention.

Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 5 a cross sectional view is shown with the insertable inflatable bladder 1 uninflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting on top of the bladder 1 prior to placing in a box 10 as shown in FIG. 4 or container for shipping or storage or prior to shipping or storage of the device 7 without a box 10 or container. The valve 3 is shown prior to inflation with a suitable gas.

It is obvious that from the illustrations that either of the FIGS. 5 and 6 could be as illustrated placed into a box 10 or shipping container prior to or after inflation with or without the item 7 to be shipped.

Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 6 a cross sectional view showing the insertable inflatable bladder 1 inflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting in the center of the bladder 1 prior to placing in a box 10 as shown in FIG. 4 or container for shipping or storage or prior to shipping or storage of the device 7 without a box 10 or container. The valve 3 is shown prior to inflation with a suitable gas is illustrated pressed against the upper side of the bladder as result of the increased pressure inside of the bladder and the self sealing valve 3 extending outside the bladder 1.

Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 7 shows a cross sectional view of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 uninflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting inside the center of the cylindrical shape of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 with openings at both ends of the cylindrical shape of the bladder 1 prior to inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown inside and outside of the bladder 1 prior to inflation with a suitable gas.

Referring now to the drawing in FIGS. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the insertable inflatable bladder I inflated with the device or item 7 to be shipped or stored resting inside the center of the cylindrical shape of the insertable inflatable bladder 1 with openings at both ends of the cylindrical shape of the bladder 1 after inflation. The self sealing valve 3 is shown inside and outside of the bladder 1 after inflation illustrating the self sealable valve 3 being presses against the side of the bladder 1 with a suitable gas as discussed.

The Internal valves 2 and or ports that are inside each bladder 1 as illustrated in all of the FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 will allow the flow of gases in only one direction. Once the bladder(s) 1, 4 or 5 are inflated the valves 2 or ports will prevent escape of the gas used for inflation back. through the valve 2 or port it came in through thus offering continued protection of the article 7 being shipped in case one of the bladder(s) 1, 4 or 5 are deflated before during or after inflation and or shipment and or opening of the box 9. In it understood that any valve is suitable for this purpose as long as it will prevent the gas from escaping from the bladder 1 and will of course allow the gas to enter the bladder.

The materials used for the insertable inflatable bladder 1 can range from rubber to mylar, plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as a bladder 1 and have enough elasticity to keep the items to be stored or shipped from being damage from impact (e.g. such as dropping of a box, etc.) that can be used for shipment or storage. The materials for the valve(s) of 1 and or 8 can range from rubber to plastic, nanoparticle, graphine like material, atoms or any material within the realm of science and knowledge that would provide enough strength to act as valve 8 or port of 2 and 3.

A method of inserting or using an inflatable bladder for cushioning article 7 to be shipped or stored as contemplated by the current invention. The basic steps are as follows:

-   -   a) Placing and item 7 to be shipped or stored onto or inside of         the bladder 1;     -   b) Placing the bladder 1 prior to or after inflation into a box         10 or container;     -   c) Closing the box 10.

The simplicity and novelty of the present invention has not been taught in the conventional art. The unexpected results of the present invention teaches away from any prior art. it is contemplated that packaging of boxes and or containers can be automated using the insertable inflatable bladder. For example, an assembly line may have boxes traversing a conveyor belt with the bottom of the boxes already closed, leaving the top open. Then the insertable inflatable bladder can either be placed in the box with the item to be shipped placed on top of the insertable inflatable bladder or inside of the bladder prior to or after inflation so that an article or item to be shipped or stored can simply be placed with the bladder then inside of the box through automated means (via a machine) or manual means (via an operator). Then the box would continue traversing the conveyor belt to inflation station where an automated or manual means could be utilized to put a gas suitable for inflating the bladder which is in fluid communication with a valve which allows access to the bladder for inflation. The current invention provides an apparatus and methodology that significantly improves cost efficiency within the packaging industry, for example in shipping cost, time, weight, and labor. To further explain an example of the insertable inflatable bladder, it comprises a bladder made up of any suitable material that does not required attachment to the inner wall or sections or corners or valves of the box or container or through the inner wall of section of the box or container making this invention truly patentable versus the prior art. The bladder with the item to be shipped is either on top of the bladder or inside the bladder and then the combination of the item and bladder can be placed in the box for shipping then inflated or inflated prior to placement in the box. To further explain the method of the insertable inflatable bladder for protecting an item being packaged otherwise comprising the steps of: providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; said item may be introduced into said bladder; placing said bladder inside of the interior of a box, said bladder is then inflated and box is sealed for shipment or storage. A further description is a method for protecting an item being packaged otherwise comprising the steps of providing a container having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said container to be opened and closed so that said bladder may be introduced into or removed from said container; said bladder is to become inflated after said item is placed in container and said container is closed. This new and novel method further comprises the steps of forming an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated. in addition the method further comprises said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material and the box and or container can further be comprised of a semi-rigid material or suitable material and that the said bladder can be shipped without the use of a box and or shipping container. To further explain the A method for protecting an item being packaged in a box otherwise comprising the steps of providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said bladder to accept said item which may be introduced into, placed on top of or removed from said bladder prior to or after inflation; placing said item into said bladder and inflating said bladder; placing said bladder and item which are in fluid communication into said box allowing and said box is closed. The method as described further comprises the steps of said bladder having an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated. The method also further comprises said bladder may be inflated prior to or after it has come into fluid communication with said item said bladder may be placed in said box for shipping or storage after or prior to inflation. The method as described in detail can further comprise that said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment and the operation thereof, and it is understood that variations, modifications, and substitution of equivalent means can be effected and still remain within the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for protecting an item being packaged in a box otherwise comprising the steps of providing a bladder having a hollow interior defined by a top wall, a bottom wall, and sidewalls interconnecting said top and bottom walls; adapting said bladder to accept said item which may be introduced into, placed on top of or removed from said bladder prior to or after inflation; placing said item into said bladder and inflating said bladder; placing said bladder and item which are in fluid communication into said box allowing and said box is closed.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: of said bladder having an additional valve inside the said bladder; allowing said bladder to stay inflated if another section of the said bladder becomes deflated.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said bladder may be inflated prior to or after it has come into fluid communication with said item; said bladder may be placed in said box for shipping or storage after or prior to inflation.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: said bladder and valve can be made from any suitable material. 